Getting a smart meter will not automatically change the way you are charged for your electricity use. If you do notice unexpected changes in your bill, talk to your electricity retailer who can help work through it with you.

Your electricity retailer cannot change the retail tariff structure in your electricity plan without your consent for two years after the smart meter is installed. This protection applies for smart meters installed between 2025 and 2030 as part of the national rollout. This means, for example, that you cannot be changed from an electricity plan with a tariff where you are charged the same price for the electricity you use regardless of the time of day you use it (a flat rate tariff), to one where you are charged different prices depending on the time of the day (such as a time-of-use tariff).

A tariff structure is how you’re charged for the electricity you use. Common types of retail tariff structures include:

• flat rate tariffs: you pay the same price for electricity, no matter the time of day
• time-of-use tariffs: prices change depending on when you use electricity, often cheaper overnight or in the middle of the day, and more expensive during busy times like early evening
• demand tariffs: these charge you for your highest electricity use at one time, measured in kilowatts (kW). It's a charge for using a lot of power all at once, like when you run several appliances together
• controlled load tariffs: a separate, often cheaper, electricity rate for specific appliances like your hot water system or underfloor heating. They are connected to a dedicated circuit, separate from the rest of your home.

No, your electricity retailer is not required to get your consent to move you to an electricity plan with a different tariff if you move into a property that already has a smart meter.

No, if you change electricity retailers after a smart meter is installed, your new electricity retailer is not required to get your consent to move you to an electricity plan with a different tariff.

After two years, your electricity retailer can move you to a different electricity plan, but they must give you notice and show you how the new plan compares to your current one, including your past bills. Visit energymadeeasy.gov.au to check the best electricity plans for you.

No, if a smart meter was installed at your property before 1 December 2025, your electricity retailer is not required to get your consent to move you to an electricity plan with a different tariff.

Yes, some electricity plans include controlled load tariffs where you pay a different price for electricity for some appliances. These often include off-peak hot water, slab or underfloor heating, or pool pumps set to run during off-peak hours, usually overnight.

Smart meters record your electricity use throughout the day, which means you may be able to access a type of plan that allows you to pay different prices for electricity depending on the time of day you use it. These might be called time-of-use, controlled load or demand tariff plans. If you're on this type of plan, you might save money by using electricity when it costs less.

Your electricity plan may have special conditions, such as discounts or benefits that are only for a set period. When these expire, your electricity retailer must notify you of these changes. Talk to your electricity retailer if you have questions about changes to your plan or want to discuss your options.

You can talk to your electricity retailer or visit the independent government website: energymadeeasy.gov.au.

Yes. Your electricity retailer is required to offer you an electricity plan with a flat rate tariff, which means you would pay the same price for electricity regardless of the time of day you use it.

In the past, if the meter couldn’t be read – because of pets, locked gates, bad weather or other reasons – your bill might be based on an estimate.

Estimated bills might have been higher or lower than what you actually used and you would then be sent a “corrected” bill later. Smart meters send your electricity readings to your electricity retailer, meaning no more bills that are later corrected because the meter reader couldn’t access the meter.

After the smart meter is installed, your electricity bill may sometimes include very short time periods where your electricity use is estimated. This could happen if, for example, there is a temporary communications issue between the smart meter and your electricity retailer – such as an issue with the signal. This isn’t the same type of “estimated” bill you used to get before you had a smart meter – you won’t get a corrected bill at a later date and have to pay a different amount.

If you have any questions about your bill, contact your electricity retailer who can work through it with you.

You can ask your electricity retailer to give you information about your energy usage. To find out how to make a request, visit their website or contact them directly.

Yes, many electricity retailers already offer ways to track your electricity use through their mobile apps or online customer portals.

You can give other companies permission to access your data if they offer services that help you save electricity, get better deals, or manage your electricity use. This could include:

• apps that analyse your electricity use
• solar power installer
• companies that help you compare electricity plans.

Yes, your energy data and personal information are protected by law. Smart meter data is treated as confidential information under the National Electricity Rules.

Yes, there are strict rules to stop anyone from accessing your data without your authorisation. Currently, only registered energy companies, like your electricity retailer or meter provider, are allowed to access your meter data.

Ways to make the most of the smart meter include:

• use an app or online portal – many electricity retailers provide these options so you can track your electricity use and find ways to save energy
• choose from a wider range of electricity plans that may better suit your needs – for more information about electricity plans you can talk to your electricity retailer or visit the independent government website energymadeeasy.gov.au
• plan for new technology – your historical electricity data can help you explore the type and size of the solar panels, batteries and other energy technologies that best meet your needs.

Smart meter technology is safe. The smart meters being installed as part of the national rollout use mobile phone networks to send meter readings. The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) mandates that they meet strict health and safety standards, which are set by the Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency (ARPANSA).

For more information, including fact sheets about common communications technologies and radiofrequency radiation, visit:

• Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency (ARPANSA) website
• Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) website

Your electricity retailer can help you with questions about the smart meter, the installation process or your electricity bill. Their contact details will be on your regular electricity bills as well as in the notice they will send you in the mail or electronically before the smart meter installation. Electricity retailers are sometimes also called electricity companies.

Start by contacting your electricity retailer. The installation notice they sent you explains how to make a complaint. It’s best to try to fix the issue with them first. If the problem isn't solved, or you're not happy with their response, you can contact the independent energy ombudsman.